Executive Director – East Side Learning Center

Program Overview

The East Side Learning Center (ESLC) is one of the premier tutoring organizations for beginning reading. When contacted in 1998 by the East Side Neighborhood Development Company to help lift the East Side of Saint Paul, forever home to immigrant and migrant citizens, the School Sisters of Notre Dame responded with a rigorous, free reading program that began in 2001.

ESLC is moving from an intervention-based reading program to more of a prevention-based program as it strives toward its mission – to be a major force in “unlocking each child’s potential through the foundation of reading.”

Job Description

East Side Learning Center is searching for an Executive Director to manage and advance the development and growth of the organization. The role of the Executive Director will be to ensure that ESLC fulfills its mission and meets its goals. A primary role of the next Executive Director is to generate revenue for the organization to improve sustainability. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in nonprofit leadership, elementary school administration, or a human service-related field
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in nonprofit management/administration, fundraising or comparable work experience
  • Strong commitment to ESLC’s mission
  • Proven non-profit funding experience, including securing gifts and funding through events, grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors
  • Ability to effectively communicate and interact with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds and communities
  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising and fund development
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Fiscal management, oversight, and budgeting skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with Staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, and ESLC stakeholders
  • Strategic thinker who understands the impact of decision-making and outcomes
  • Proficient in using technology in program implementation and management
  • Experience in Board relations, governance, and working with school administrators

Requirements

Organization and Team Management

  • Oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations: reading program, communications, finances, fundraising, human resources, and operations
  • Provide leadership in the areas of program implementation/delivery, financial management, and communications and policies authorized by the Board
  • Manage day-to-day operations working with Staff and Volunteers to ensure that the reading program is executed with excellence
  • Facilitate relationship-building between Staff, Schools, and ESLC Stakeholders
  • Oversee leadership in managing program delivery, progress reporting, and school partnerships
  • Engage the Board and Staff in the ongoing evaluation of program services and strategic planning

Fundraising and Fund Development

  • Develop and execute a fundraising plan that supports ESLC viability that includes goals, key performance indicators, timelines, resource requirements, and donor relationships
  • Sustain and grow fundraising efforts; maintain relationships with funders and foster long-term fundraising efforts
  • Proven track record of successful grant writing
  • Attract new funders to the organization and review the implementation of existing and new fundraising strategies
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with new donors and other potential funding sources

Financial Management

  • Ensure fiscal stability and adherence to budgetary guidelines by maintaining diligent oversight of day-to-day financial operations
  • Collaborate with the Board Treasurer to oversee financial performance and ensure revisions as appropriate
  • Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the organization’s goals and mission alignment
  • Ensure the maintenance of effective systems for fiscal data reporting and timely reports to the Board
  • Negotiate and manage all contractual agreements with school administrators to ensure equitable funding for ESLC services
  • Ensure the organization’s financial viability

Human Resources

  • Overall, responsible for developing, supporting, and retaining Staff and Volunteers, while maintaining a healthy work environment in collaboration with the leadership team
  • Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration
  • Conduct annual staff performance reviews/evaluations or as required
  • Comply with state and federal regulations

Community and Partner Relationships

  • Serve as the official spokesperson for ESLC, leading public relations efforts to effectively communicate the organization’s mission
  • Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to increase the organization’s visibility and brand in collaboration with Staff and the Board
  • Build and maintain relationships with organization stakeholders
  • Build awareness of the impact of the organization’s work and role in the community

Board of Directors

  • Report to the Board of Directors regular updates on organizational performance
  • Listen to and respect the opinions and views of others, while acknowledging their right to express themselves
  • Foster a collaborative and actively engaged Board of Directors
  • Work with the Board of Directors and Staff to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan

How to Apply

Submit resume, cover letter and salary requirements via email to [email protected].

Inquiries and submissions will be considered until the position is filled with the first screening of applicants on or around June 1. Salary range of $80,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The search will be conducted respecting the confidentiality of candidates. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of the candidate. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures are encouraged to apply.

East Side Learning Center is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.